Prince Charles flies 125 miles to deliver speech on reducing aircraft emissions, gets slammed
Prince Charles has been called out for flying 125 miles in a private helicopter in order to give a speech on reducing aircraft emissions.
The Prince of Wales flew from Highgrove to Cambridge to give a lecture at the Whittle Laboratory. During the lecture, he spoke to researchers about the decarbonization of air travel. He also urged researchers to "act quickly to rescue this poor old planet."
According to reports, the total trip would have resulted in carbon emissions of around 2.5 tonnes and would have cost $15,543 (£12,000).
Prince Charles often speaks about the dangers and adverse effects of climate change and has been criticized by activists like Graham Smith who is the chief executive of campaign group Republic. As reported by the Daily Mirror, Smith said, "He wants to play the role, but not walk the walk." "His view seems to be that it’s one rule for him and one rule for the rest of us. Driving or using the train would have been pretty easy."
While responding to the criticism, Clarence House released a statement where they defended the Prince and explained his carbon footprint is offset every year.
A spokesperson shared, "The prince is not personally involved in decisions around his transportation arrangements, though he ensures all carbon emissions are offset every year. They are made based on what is possible within the constraints of time, distance and security."
"In order for him to undertake as many engagements as he does across the UK and around the world, he sometimes has to fly. As he has often said, as soon as there is a more sustainable way of making these journeys, he’ll be the first to use it," the spokesperson continued.
Prince Charles is currently dealing with the fallout of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepping down as senior working members of the royal family.